Collapsible cup

ABSTRACT

Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket.

PRIORITY CLAIM TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/621,545 filed on Apr. 8, 2012, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Carrying a clean cup for beverages or other food items is not alwaysconvenient. Conventional cups are bulky and difficult to keep clean.Plastic bottles, while ubiquitous in modern society, are difficult tofill and even more difficult to clean than conventional cups.Conventional collapsible cups, on the other hand, may provideconvenience and a smaller form factor than conventional cups. However,man conventional solutions leak or are not securely extendable. As such,collapsible cups are presented herein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented below.

Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having acircular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base,where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge ofthe cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a numberof bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleevehaving a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, themiddle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting thebottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeveguide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, wherethe middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formedalong the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve innersurface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel isconfigured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a sealbetween the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and where the middlesleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along themiddle sleeve upper edge; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upperedge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleevecylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, wherethe top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels forslidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, where the top sleevelower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the topsleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the topsleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a topsleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middlesleeve.

In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottomouter tab groove for releasably engaging a middle sleeve ridge disposedalong a top portion of each of the middle sleeve guide channels, andwhere the middle sleeve guide tabs each further include a middle sleeveouter tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposedalong a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels. In someembodiments, containers further include a lid configured for removeablyengaging the top sleeve upper edge. In some embodiments, the middlesleeve guide channels and the top sleeve guide channels form a pathselected from the group consisting of: a diagonal path and an L-shapedpath.

In some embodiments, the middle sleeve guide channels each furtherinclude a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging thebottom cup guide tabs middle sleeve path ridge disposed along a distalend of the middle sleeve guide channel, and where the top sleeve guidechannels each further include a top sleeve path ridge configured toreleasably engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve pathridge disposed along a distal end of the top sleeve guide channel. Insome embodiments, the circular base further includes: a finger pullformed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, whereeach cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of eachcavity. In some embodiments, containers further include an insertremoveably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to thecircular base, where the insert forms a cavity, and where the insert isconfigured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with thecollapsible cup.

In other embodiments, collapsible containers are presented including: abottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached withthe circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lipformed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, where the cylindrical wallincludes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along, the bottom cuplip and where the bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottomouter tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposedalong a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels; and a topsleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, thetop sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottomcup, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channelsfor slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the top sleevelower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the topsleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the topsleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a topsleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the bottomcup. In some embodiments, containers further include a finger pullformed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, whereeach cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of eachcavity.

In other embodiments, methods for utilizing collapsible cups arepresented including: receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cupincluding, a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wallattached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes acup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where thecylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed alongthe cup lip, a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and amiddle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleevecylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeveincludes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engagingthe bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes amiddle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edgeand along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where themiddle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleevegasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup,and where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guidetabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and a top sleeve havingan top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeveforming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and themiddle sleeve, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeveguide channels for slidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs,where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channelformed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve innersurface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured forreceiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeveand the middle sleeve; expanding the collapsible cup to an extendedposition; and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methodsfurther include collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position.In some embodiments, expanding the collapsible cup further includes:grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along, thecircular base, where each cavity includes as flared portion along aninner edge of each cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a bottom cup of acollapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a middle sleeveof a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a collapsible cuphaving an insert in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toa few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structureshave not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscurethe present invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 1 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 100and collapsed position 120. As may be seen collapsible cup embodimentsmay include at least bottom cup 102, middle sleeve 104, and top sleeve106. Top sleeve 106 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 104 andbottom cup 102. In some embodiments, lid 108 may be further included. Inthose embodiments, lids may be configured for removeably engaging a topsleeve upper edge of top sleeve 106. Furthermore, lid embodiments mayinclude, without limitation, hatch 110 configured for sipping, forreceiving a straw, or for both sipping and receiving a straw. In otherembodiments, a push-top dispensing feature (not shown) may be includedwithout limitation.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 2 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 200and collapsed position 240. As above, collapsible cup embodiments mayinclude at least bottom cup 202, middle sleeve 204, and top sleeve 206.Top sleeve 206 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 204 and bottomcup 202. Bottom cup 202 may include circular base 212 and cylindricalwall 222 attached with circular base 212. It may be appreciated thatcylindrical wall 222 may include cup lip 232 formed along an edge ofcylindrical wall 222. Further illustrated is bottom cup guide tab 242formed along the cup lip 232. In embodiments bottom cup guide tab 242 isconfigured for slidingly engaging middle sleeve guide channel 214 ofmiddle sleeve 204. In the illustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guidechannel 214 forms an L-shaped path. Other paths will be discussed infurther detail below for FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 242 further includes bottomouter tab groove 252 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 224disposed along a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel 214. It maybe appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide atactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed.In some embodiments, circular base 212 may be configured with fingerpull 262. Finger pulls will be discussed in further detail below forFIG. 4. It may be appreciated that bottom cup embodiments may be formedin any manner known in the art without limitation such as casting,molding, or stamping. It may be further appreciated that any number ofsuitable materials may be utilized without departing from embodimentsprovided herein. By way of example, a polymeric compound or stainlesssteel alloy may be utilized without limitation. It may be furtherappreciated that some embodiments may be manufactured with double wallsto provide additional thermal insulation advantages.

Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 may include a middle sleeve upperedge 234 and a middle sleeve lower edge 264. As illustrated, middlesleeve 204 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottomcup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Middle sleeve 204 mayfurther include, middle sleeve guide tab 244 formed along middle sleeveupper edge 234. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 244 is configuredfor slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 216 of top sleeve 206.In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 216 forms anL-shaped path. Other paths will be discussed in further detail below forFIG. 3. In some embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab 244 furtherincludes middle sleeve outer tab groove 254 for releasably engaging topsleeve ridge 226 disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guidechannel 216. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove andridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodimentsare fully collapsed

Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 includes middle sleeve gasketchannel 274 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middlesleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 204. In embodiments, middle sleevegasket channel 274 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 284that forms a seal between middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202. In someembodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, ano-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. Inother embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middlesleeve gasket channels.

Further illustrated, top sleeve 206 may include a top sleeve upper edge236 and a top sleeve lower edge 266. As illustrated, top sleeve 206 mayform a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 204 andbottom cup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Furtherillustrated, top sleeve 206 includes top sleeve gasket channel 276formed along the top sleeve lower edge 266 and along a top sleeve innersurface of top sleeve 204. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 276is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 286 that forms a sealbetween top sleeve 206 and middle sleeve 204. In some embodiments, topsleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubberwasher, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In otherembodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasketchannels.

FIG. 3 is art illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 3 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 300and collapsed position 340. As above, collapsible cup embodiments mayinclude at least bottom cup 302, middle sleeve 304, and top sleeve 306.Top sleeve 306 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 304 and bottomcup 302. Bottom cup 302 may include circular base 312 and cylindricalwall 322 attached with circular base 312. It may be appreciated thatcylindrical wall 322 may include cup lip 332 formed along an edge ofcylindrical wall 322. Further illustrated is bottom cup guide tab 342formed along, the cup lip 332. In embodiments bottom cup guide tab 342is configured for slidingly engaging middle sleeve guide channel 314 ofmiddle sleeve 304. In the illustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guidechannel 314 forms a diagonal path. It may be appreciated that any pathmay be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein.

In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 342 further includes bottomouter tab groove 352 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 324disposed along a top sleeve portion of middle sleeve guide channel 314.It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge mayprovide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fullycollapsed. In some embodiments, circular base 312 may be smooth ascontrasted with embodiments utilizing a finger pull. Finger pulls willbe discussed in further detail below for FIG. 4. It may be appreciatedthat bottom cup embodiments may be formed in any manner known in the artwithout limitation such as casting molding, or stamping. It may befurther appreciated that any number of suitable materials may beutilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. By way ofexample, a polymeric compound or stainless steel alloy may be utilizedwithout limitation. It may be further appreciated that some embodimentsmay be manufactured with double walls to provide additional thermalinsulation advantages.

Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 may include a middle sleeve upperedge 334 and a middle sleeve lower edge 364. As illustrated, middlesleeve 304 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottomcup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Middle sleeve 304 mayfurther include, middle sleeve guide tab 344 formed along middle sleeveupper edge 334. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 344 is configuredfor slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 316 of top sleeve 306.In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 316 forms adiagonal path. It may be appreciated that any path may be utilizedwithout departing from embodiments provided herein. In some embodiments,middle sleeve guide tab 344 further includes middle sleeve outer tabgroove 354 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 326 disposedalong a top portion of top sleeve guide channel 316. It may beappreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide atactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed

Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 includes middle sleeve gasketchannel 374 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middlesleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 304. In embodiments, middle sleevegasket channel 374 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 384that forms a seal between middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302. In someembodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, ano-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. Inother embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middlesleeve gasket channels.

Further illustrated, top sleeve 306 may include a to sleeve upper edge336 and a top sleeve lower edge 366. As illustrated, top sleeve 306 mayform a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 304 andbottom cup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Furtherillustrated, top sleeve 306 includes top sleeve gasket channel 376formed along the top sleeve lower edge 366 and along a top sleeve innersurface of top sleeve 304. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 376is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 386 that forms a sealbetween top sleeve 306 and middle sleeve 304. In some embodiments, topsleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubberwasher, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In otherembodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasketchannels.

It may be appreciated that while a three-section collapsible cupembodiment is illustrated, other configurations are possible withoutdeparting from embodiments provided herein. For example, a two-sectioncollapsible cup may be utilized having only a bottom cup and a topsleeve. Likewise, a four-section (or more) cup may be utilized havingmore than one middle sleeve. Thus, various shapes and sizes may beutilized without departing from embodiments provided herein.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a bottom cup 400of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. As noted above, bottom cup embodiments may include circularbase 402. In some embodiments circular bases may be smooth. In otherembodiments, such as that illustrated, circular bases may include afinger pull. As illustrated, finger pull 406 may be formed by at leasttwo cavities 404 and 408 formed along circular base 402. As may be seen,each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of eachcavity. Thus, when collapsible cups embodiments are in a collapsedposition, a user may grasp a finger pull to place collapsible cups in anextended position. As illustrated, finger pull 406 is ovoid in shape,however any shape or size linger pull may be utilized without departingfrom embodiments provided herein. Further illustrated bottom cup guidetab 410 that further includes bottom outer tab groove 412 for releasablyengaging as middle sleeve ridge (not shown) disposed along a top portionof middle sleeve guide channel which may be seen in detail for FIGS. 2and 3. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridgemay provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments arefully collapsed. This illustration is to provide clarity to embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a middle sleeve500 of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. As illustrated, middle sleeve may include a number of middlesleeve guide tabs 502 that may be configured for slidingly engaging atop sleeve guide channel (see, for example, FIG. 2, 216). In addition asillustrated, middle sleeve guide tab 502 may thither include middlesleeve ridge 504 for releasably engaging a bottom cup outer tab groove(see, for example, FIG. 4, 412). In embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab502 may further include middle sleeve outer tab groove 506 disposedalong a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel 508 for releasablyengaging a top sleeve ridge (see, for example, FIG. 2, 226) disposedalong a top portion of a top sleeve guide channel. It may be appreciatedthat embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactileindicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In theillustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guide channel 508 forms anL-shaped path. Other paths are discussed above for FIG. 3. Furtherillustrated is middle sleeve path ridge 510 disposed along a distal endof middle sleeve guide channel 508 for releasably engaging a bottom cupguide tab (see, for example, FIG. 4, 410). Middle sleeve path ridges maybe provided to secure collapsible cups in an extended position. Stillfurther, it may be appreciated that embodiments having a path and ridgemay provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments arefully extended. It may be further appreciated that at least some of thefeatures illustrated for the middle sleeve apply equally to top sleeveembodiments. For example, a top sleeve paths may include a top sleeveridge disposed along disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guidechannel and a top sleeve path ridge disposed along a disposed alongdistal end of a top sleeve guide channel.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup 600 havingan insert 602 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.It may be appreciated that a removable insert may be desirable toprovide an easily cleanable container. Furthermore, inserts may providean added level of protection from leakage. As illustrated, insert 602may be removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge 604 andextending to the circular base 606. Further, insert 602 forms a cavitythat is contained by collapsible cup 600. In some embodiments, insertsmay be configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with thecollapsible cup. In some embodiments, inserts may be manufactured from:a silicone polymeric compound and a polymeric compound.

Methods of Use

Methods for utilizing collapsible cup embodiments include: receiving thecollapsible cup; expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position;and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methods furtherinclude: collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position. In someembodiments, methods further include: expanding the collapsible cup mayinclude grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formedalong the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portionalong an inner edge of each cavity.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments,there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall withinthe scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are manyalternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of thepresent invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any methodembodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular orderor sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenienceand should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention,which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible container comprising: a bottom cuphaving a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circularbase, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along anedge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wall includesa plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middlesleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge,the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nestingthe bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middlesleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cupguide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleevegasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along amiddle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, wherein the middlesleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasketthat forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, andwherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guidetabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge; and a top sleeve havingan top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeveforming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and themiddle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeveguide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of middle sleeveguide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleevegasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a topsleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channelconfigured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal betweenthe top sleeve and the middle sleeve.
 2. The collapsible container ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each furthercomprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a middlesleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality ofmiddle sleeve guide channels, and wherein the plurality of middle sleeveguide tabs each further comprise a middle sleeve outer tab groove forreleasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion ofeach of the plurality of top sleeve guide channels.
 3. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 1, further comprising: a lid configured forremoveably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.
 4. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises: a hatchconfigured for sipping or for receiving a straw.
 5. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises: a push-topdispensing feature.
 6. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein themiddle sleeve gasket and the top sleeve gasket are selected from thegroup consisting of: an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, anda packing material.
 7. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein themiddle sleeve gasket is co-molded with the middle sleeve gasket channel,and wherein the top sleeve gasket is co-molded with the top sleevegasket channel.
 8. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein theplurality of middle sleeve guide channels and the plurality of topsleeve guide channels form a path selected from the group consisting ofa diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
 9. The collapsible container ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels eachfurther comprise a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasablyengaging the bottom cup guide tabs, the middle sleeve path ridgedisposed along a distal end of the middle sleeve guide channel, andwherein the plurality of top sleeve guide channels each further comprisea top sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the middlesleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal endof the top sleeve guide channel.
 10. The collapsible container of claim1, wherein the circular base further comprises: a finger pull thrilledby at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein eachcavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity. 11.The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising: an insertremoveably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to thecircular base, wherein the insert forms a cavity, and wherein the insertis configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with thecollapsible cup.
 12. A collapsible container comprising: a bottom cuphaving a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circularbase, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lip formedalong an edge of the cylindrical wall, wherein the cylindrical wallincludes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the bottomcup lip and wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each furthercomprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging as top sleeveridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of topsleeve guide channels; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edgeand a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleevecylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the top sleeveincludes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engagingthe plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve loweredge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleevelower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, thetop sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasketthat forms as seal between the top sleeve and the bottom cup.
 13. Thecollapsible container of claim 12, further comprising: a lid configuredfor removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.
 14. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 13, wherein the lid further comprises: a push-topdispensing feature.
 15. The collapsible container of claim 12, whereinthe top sleeve gasket is selected from the group consisting of: ano-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. 16.The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the plurality of topsleeve guide channels form as path selected from the group consistingof: as diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
 17. The collapsible containerof claim 12, wherein the circular base further comprises: a finger pullformed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, whereineach cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of eachcavity.
 18. A method for utilizing a collapsible cup comprising:receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cup including, a bottomcup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with thecircular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formedalong an edge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wallincludes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip,a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleevelower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capableof nesting the bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes aplurality of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging theplurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve furtherincludes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleevelower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve,wherein the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving amiddle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and thebottom cup, and wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middlesleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and a topsleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, thetop sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottomcup and the middle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a pluralityof top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality ofmiddle sleeve guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes atop sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge andalong a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleevegasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms aseal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve; expanding thecollapsible cup to an extended position; and filling the collapsiblecup.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: collapsing thecollapsible cup to a collapsed position.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the expanding, the collapsible cup further comprises: grasping afinger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circularbase, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edgeof each cavity.